What is the difference between double wishbone and double transverse arm?
3 Answers
The differences between double wishbone and double transverse arm: 1. Different in nature: Double wishbone suspension, also known as double A-arm independent suspension, has upper and lower wishbones that simultaneously absorb lateral forces, with the strut only bearing the vehicle's weight; Double transverse arm suspension refers to a suspension system with two transverse arms. 2. Different applicability: Double wishbone suspension excels in sportiness and is used by supercars like Ferrari and Maserati; Double transverse arm suspension is widely used in the front and rear suspensions of sedans. Both double wishbone and double transverse arm belong to independent suspensions. Simply put, the difference is that double wishbone is one level higher than double transverse arm. In fact, double wishbone and double transverse arm can be classified as the same type, with double transverse arm being considered a simplified version of double wishbone, and its design leans more towards sportiness.
Having played with cars for many years, I know that both double-wishbone and double-lateral-arm suspensions are quite common, but they have slight structural differences. Double-wishbone typically refers to upper and lower A-shaped arms, allowing more flexible vertical movement of the wheels and enhancing handling. Many sports cars and sedans use it—stable during cornering but a bit space-consuming. Double-lateral-arm suspension features a more linear arm structure with stronger lateral support, making it suitable for SUVs or off-road vehicles. It handles bumps better but responds a bit slower. In daily driving, both suspensions can be tuned for comfort, but double-wishbone leans more toward sportiness and has slightly pricier parts for maintenance. When choosing a car, just consider the model and driving habits—test-driving to feel the difference is the most practical approach.
As an ordinary car owner who drives my own car daily, I feel there are noticeable differences between double-wishbone and double transverse arm suspensions in practical use. Cars with double-wishbone suspensions offer precise cornering and remain stable at high speeds, making them suitable for urban highways, though they can feel a bit stiff on bumpy roads. On the other hand, double transverse arm suspensions are more flexible, with less body sway on rural dirt roads and better stability when carrying loads, plus they're slightly cheaper to repair. However, they show more noticeable body roll during sharp turns. When buying a car, don’t just focus on the specs—test driving several models will help you discover which one better suits your daily needs.
